"Relief" is the word for it. It's a relief to see Robert De Niro giving an honest, effective starring performance in a project that does not stink and that, in fact, rises to a respectable level of filmmaking proficiency. How long has it been?

Parents need to know that this holiday drama starring Robert De Niro deals with some heavy themes that aren't age-appropriate for young children. Of the main character's four grown-up children, one (mostly unseen) is a jailed substance abuser, and the others are grappling with issues including sexuality, divorce, and single parenthood. There's quite a bit of swearing for a PG-13 movie, especially during a comical scene between a grandfather and grandson ("f--k," "s--t"). There's also a lot of lying, and one character dies (off screen), while another ends up in the hospital after being mugged. Still, in the end, the movie aims to send a positive message about acceptance and honesty between parents and their adult children.

Families can talk about the movie's lesson about parent-child relationships. Which of Frank's children seems to have the healthiest relationship with him? What about his grandson, Jack? How do secrets and lies affect Frank and his kids?

How does this film compare to other holiday family movies? Why do holiday movies often seem to feature families in distress or with relationship problems?

How does the movie portray sibling relationships? Is it believable that Frank's children would keep such important aspects of their lives a secret from him but not each other?

The good stuff

Messages: The grown-up children all lie to their father about incredibly important aspects of their lives, including pregnancy, babies, divorce, and sexuality. But ultimately they make amends and start to relate to him better.

Role models: Frank's grown-up children send an iffy message to younger audiences about how to deal with parents. Amy, Robert, and Rosie all lie to their father and keep important details about their lives from him. Although they eventually start confiding in their father and telling him the truth, it comes too late to prevent some negative consequences.

What to watch for

Violence: Frank is mugged by a young homeless man. The man stomps on Frank's prescription medicine, and Frank ends up in the hospital. A character, unseen but spoken about often, dies off camera.

Sex: Amy flirts with a man who's not her husband. Rosie and Amy are shown with their significant others. A woman who is obviously a prostitute jokingly asks Frank if he wants to see "her leg." Rosie (shown as a young girl) says that she likes "girls."

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Robert smokes a cigarette, then says he's quitting, then smokes another cigarette. One character who's mostly unseen (but talked about often) is an imprisoned substance abuser.

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